MoDOT starts pothole initiative on Monday

ST. LOUIS (KSDK) – The Missouri Department of Transportation is kicking off a pothole repair initiative starting on Monday.

"We want to get asphalt in the hole within a day of being notified of the repair needed," MoDOT District Engineer Greg Horn said. "Our goal is to repair it before you drive the same road the next day."

Potholes are caused when temperatures are warm during the day, but cool at night. That's why potholes are so prevalent during the spring.

The rain and snow from winter leaves moisture that seeps into cracks and joints in the pavement. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and causes roads to expand – which in turn causes it to bulge and crack.

When cars drive over that bulging pavement, it eventually causes chunks of pavement to pop out.